Monthly Archives: May 2008

On the eve of “Children’s Protection Day”, on the 29th of May, a festival for children from needy and socially-unprotected families was held in the circus on Tsvetnoi boulevard in U. Nikullina. It was organized by the Moscow Government Public Relations Committee. During the festival, HOPE worldwide – Russia (Nadezhda po vsemu miru) took part in an exhibition with non-profit organizations which won the government’s competition for socially significant projects in Moscow.

Hundreds of children of different ages and their parents “flooded like a river” to the entrance of the circus on that day. The festival began on the street where everyone was greeted by a wind band and spectacular puppets, which created a solemn and festive mood. On entering the circus, any pair of eyes would have been dazzled by the abundance of clowns, puppets and live animals, starting with poodles and chimpanzees and ending with a panther, a jaguar and several tigers.

Children received various souvenirs and were able to take photos together with their favourite cartoon characters and with the animals. They could even pet them, which brought genuine delight to the children and some of the animals as well.

In the foyer an exhibition was held of various charities and non-profit organizations that work with children and families who need help.

HOPE worldwide – Russia (Nadezhda po vsemu miru) presented to the general public works created by children and invalids who participate in the Children’s Club Program: City of HOPE, and the Family Centre program.

Works made from various materials were presented, which had been created in all kinds of interesting styles. Visitors were able to familiarize themselves with the works in detail and receive consultation from experts to learn about ways to create these art works, and to learn more about the work of HOPE worldwide – Russia (Nadezhda po vsemu miru).

After the program in the foyer, everyone was treated to a spectacular concert and circus performance directly in the circus ring with clowns, acrobats, and trapeze artists. The children never grew tired of applauding, and of course they had a reason.

Judging by the smiles on the children’s faces and the good mood of their parents, we can confidently say that the Festival was a huge success!

Citibank employees congratulated elderly people and veterans on the coming Victory Day. They also helped bring party baskets to those who were unable to or could not for various reasons come to the centre. It is not the first time the Old Friends’ Home has worked with Citibank volunteers. They regularly visit the elderly people and war veterans who require help, not only during holidays, but during the week as well, when care, attention, and comfort is much needed by these lonely, abandoned elderly people.

Tatiana Avramenko, the manager at ZAO Citibank responsible for their partnership with social organizations and head of the Volunteering Department said, “We are very happy that more than 30 bank employees participated in this worthy project. They spent their free time to help the elderly by travelling to the edge of Moscow on the eve of Victory Day. We should all remember the older generation’s great achievements and we should take care of the veterans and elderly accordingly”.

On the eve of Victory Day, HOPE worldwide – Russia organised a series of events to congratulate all veterans and lonely senior citizens participating in “The Old Friends’ Home” program.

The program of celebration for the pensioners was varied and full of surprises. Volunteers of the charity prepared a concert, which has become a tradition enjoyed greatly by the veterans.
One of the nice surprises was a performance by children studying at the puppet theatre on one of the pre-celebration days.

The puppet theatre works within the HOPE Family Centre. The children prepared an entire performance with poems, songs and a puppet show, which they had created themselves.

After the impressive show, every pensioner received presents as well as a parcel containing food and household goods.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Fleming Foundation and the IKSS company company, whose help enables us to supply people under our care with food and household goods on a monthly basis in the Marfino and North Chertanovo districts, and to supply hot food to senior citizens living alone in the “Ramenki” district.